4 Home Improvements That Could Turn Your Neighbors Into Your Enemies in Hawaii

Home improvements make your home a better, more pleasant place to live as well as adding to its value. Then, surely, home improvements must be a good thing, right? Generally speaking, yes. There are, however, some home improvements that could turn your neighbors into your enemies in Hawaii.

1. Fixing Drainage Problems

There’s a big low spot in your backyard where during wet periods water stands, making your yard virtually unusable for long stretches and causing a health hazard when the mosquitoes move in. And you’ve finally decided to do something about it. The problem is, though, that the water has to go somewhere, right?

If that water then drains into your neighbor’s yard, turning it into one big swamp, get ready for some problems. If your neighbor gets angry enough and wants to take legal action, you may have recourse to the”reasonableness rule.” This rule holds that if a neighbor sues, he or she will have to provide proof that you did something”unreasonable” in altering your property to cause harm to his property. [do keep in mind that this is not legal advice – check with an attorney to be sure]

2. Planting Ornamental Trees

We all want to make our personal mark on our property to truly make it our own. Quite often that will manifest itself in the form of landscaping, such as cactus gardens or fancy ornamental trees. However, you have to be careful which trees you plant. While some may be rather ‘innocent’, so to speak, such as wonderfully aromatic and beautiful plumerias, a big mango tree that grows out of control and starts raining ‘mango bombs’ on your neighbor’s lanai awning is another matter (we’ve had to cut those back in some of the homes we’ve purchased). If you’re not sure about what to plant, consult a local nursery for some advice.

3. Adding a Room

Let’s say you’ve saved up enough money to expand your home, perhaps adding an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) or a second floor to take advantage of views of the Pacific Ocean or Kaneohe Bay. You dutifully hire a licensed contractor, get any plans drawn up by an architect, get your permits in place and you’re off to the races.

Remember to consider, though, the impact to your neighbors. They now may be living next to a loud and messy job site for 1-4 months, depending on the length of your project. There will be a lot of traffic in and out on a daily basis, maybe even involving some heavy equipment. There may be no getting around it, but just remember to understand that there’s an impact nonetheless.

Also keep in mind whether there are any permanent effects to your neighbors, such as obstructing a previously expansive ocean view. If that’s the case, be sure to check your legal rights for such an addition/modification but also consult your neighbors to generate some extra aloha and goodwill.

4. Installing a Pool

This is similar to #3 above except that there will most definitely be some noise and heavy equipment for the required in-ground pool excavations. Then there’s the possibility of noisy weekend pool parties if you have little ones who may, in turn, invite over all the neighborhood kids. Add to that loud equipment if it isn’t maintained properly or your water level runs low and there’s the potential for some misgivings.

That’s not to say it’s a bad thing – quite a few homeowners in Hawaii have backyard pools. Just remember that even though we live on an island, the ‘no man is an island’ saying somewhat applies – there may (or will) be some impacts to your neighbors.

While it is true there are some home improvements that could turn your neighbors into your enemies in Hawaii, you shouldn’t let that put off your dreams and plans for your home. Using the right approach, you can move forward with your home-improvement plans without creating any “neighbor issues.”

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO SELL YOUR HOME QUICKLY FOR CASH IN HAWAII, WE CAN HELP. JUST FILL OUT THIS FORM OR CONTACT US AT 808-333-3677.

Oahu Home Buyers is your local Honolulu-based real estate company dedicated to helping Oahu and neighbor island homeowners who need a solution for their house or mortgage trouble. If you need to sell your house in Hawaii, then ask us for a free, fast 'as is' cash offer for your property. All types, all situations. We're here to help. We buy houses from homeowners just like you!

Hear What Others Have To Say…

Oahu Home Buyers

“Due to circumstances I made a decision to sell my property but didn’t want all the headaches of doing renovations, listings, staging & etc. After much consideration & discussions I did a private sale with Oahu Home Buyers. Michael Borger & his escrow team were very professional, responsive, and easy to work with which made the process pretty stress free.”

Robert N.

Oahu Home Buyers

Mike was able to help with the purchase of our house. I contacted him a year before we moved and he kept in touch throughout the year. We were allowed to leave when we wanted and got our money within days of leaving. Our old townhouse looks wonderful and that is thanks to Mike and his team. I would recommend to anyone looking to move and doesn’t want to hassle with dealing with realtors.

Joseph Rios, Waikele HI

Oahu Home Buyers

“Thank you so much for helping me with this property, was in foreclosure now I’m FREE.”

Joseph Fearon Jr, Ewa Beach HI

Oahu Home Buyers

“Dear Michael…. I want to thank you so much again for taking our case. You were a joy to work with, prompt, personal, kind and professional. It was an incredible relief… to have all this stress taken off our shoulders so rapidly, professionally, and may I repeat again, kindly. I am forever grateful to you.“

Kathryn Moerke, Honolulu HI

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Wholesalers – Contact Us!

Are you a wholesaler? We're always looking for new properties to purchase. Please contact us here for more details on what we look for.

Aloha. We are an Oahu, Hawaii real estate solutions and investment firm based in Honolulu, Hawaii that specializes in helping homeowners sell problem houses fast. We are not realtors, we are real estate investors and problem solvers who can buy your house fast on Oahu or neighboring Hawaiian Islands with a fair all-cash offer.